EU packaging rules enter into force on August 12, 2026 — hotels, cafés and shops must adapt

The European Union introduces a new set of packaging rules that take effect on August 12, 2026, forcing manufacturers, retailers and hospitality businesses to change how they package and serve food and drink.

What changes now and what follows

The overhaul targets mounting packaging waste — driven in recent years by online shopping and on‑the‑go consumption — and tightens limits on hazardous substances in materials that touch food. The new regulation sets an upper limit for the combined amount of cadmium, lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium at one hundred milligrams per kilogram (100 mg/kg) in packaging, and introduces restrictions on PFAS (so‑called “forever chemicals”) specifically for food‑contact packaging.

"It concerns the concentration of substances of concern in packaging. Those are cadmium, lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium, whose total amount must not exceed one hundred milligrams per kilogram. An additional substance that is restricted is PFAS, exclusively for food‑contact packaging. The maximum possible empty space in packaging will also be reduced. There were cases where the packaging had a false bottom," said Gordana Penec Pavlovic, independent adviser in the Industrial sector at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce.

From February 2027 consumers gain new rights: they will be able to bring and use their own containers for takeaway food and drinks. Single‑use takeaway cups and disposable food containers will no longer be provided as a default; customers who bring their own containers will be responsible for their hygiene, rather than the filling business. One year later — from February 2028 — hospitality businesses (HORECA) and retailers selling food must install refund or return systems for reusable packaging.

Farther ahead, in 2030 the EU will ban certain single‑use plastic items for on‑site consumption: single‑use plastic tableware and cups used for eating and drinking at the place of sale will be prohibited, as will small single‑serving sachets for condiments, sugar and milk. Hotels and similar accommodations will be required to stop offering single‑use mini toiletries for free sale and instead provide refillable or bulk options.

Hotel managers say many properties have already adapted. "A few years ago we got rid of little shampoos, conditioners, gels and similar. We basically have dispensers in the rooms. It worked great, guests don't mind. As for plastic, we replaced those items too, such as single‑use room key cards, toothbrushes and razors — now everything is wooden and all is recyclable," said Srdjan Pujo, director of a hotel in Dubrovnik.

Photo: EPA-EFE/NIC BOTHMA